5 things Borussia Dortmund must do to catch Bayern Munich next year

Borussia Dortmund priority No. 4: Provide Emre Can more help

Dortmund are blessed with a number of skillful players that fill out their starting XI. Can might be the only member of the side who regularly does the dirty work required to make the club’s style of play work. He needs a bit more assistance on that front.

That doesn’t mean Dortmund need to go out and buy a like-for-like replacement for him in the midfield. If Thomas Delaney can stay healthy it does give Can a valuable partner who is willing to make tough challenges in the middle of the pitch.

Instead, the focus for Dortmund should be on buying a player or two at another position that can give the side more toughness. Adding a bruising center back to the mix could do wonders to take pressure off Can. Adding a winger capable of giving the side more in terms of defensive work rate could also accomplish the objective.

The bottom line is that Can simply can’t be counted on to do it all. He’s a terrific talent with great physicality and work rate. Dortmund can’t take his efforts for granted. A little support for him elswhere in the starting XI could go a long way towards the club’s hopes of securing a Bundesliga title.